When All Lights Go Out II (TFP)

Chapter 18

As Optimus walked through the vortex, he was quick to notice the tyre marks on the ground that Arcee and Ratchet had left. As he had used the same coordinates as before, Optimus had no doubt that the bots wouldn't be too far. Glancing around cautiously and scanning his surroundings, nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary right now. Optimus followed the tyre tracks for a little bit before he considered transforming to follow.

But he hoped to cover some ground before he would even consider transforming. For the moment, it was only a shallow slope, and he could make it down just fine. Though while he was here now, Optimus did feel a little pang of regret, as coming here was most likely a bad idea. But Optimus's spark couldn't tolerate knowing that Arcee, Bulkhead, Bumblebee and Ratchet could be injured and severe danger. He couldn't just sit back and wait for something to happen. Especially if it was at the risk of another bot's life.

As Optimus walked down the hill, he stopped when he heard the snap of a branch. Arming both of his canons and pulling the face plate across his face, Optimus turned sharply and aimed his canons. "Whoa! Whoa! Don't shoot! It's just me!" Optimus widened his optics in shock when he realized it was Jack. The boy was holding his hands up as he looked back at him. "I'm sorry for startling you."

Optimus relaxed and disarmed his canons. "I am surprised to see you, Jack. Why did you follow me through the ground bridge? You know this is very dangerous, so coming with me was not a good idea."

"I can say the same thing to you, Optimus." Optimus frowned as he watched the boy fold his arms. "I know you are Azura's carrier, but I am her friend. I care about Azura deeply, and I couldn't help want to come. I know I just pulled a Miko, but I am here now. I have my phone, but there's no way to call anyone anyway. So you are stuck with me."

Optimus softened his expression and glanced around cautiously. "I do understand your love for Azura, Jack. You and Azura needed each other when you needed a friend the most. And I have appreciated that she has bonded with you. But you are not an autobot. Even if Miko came with you, I would tell you the same thing. You should not have come."

"Fine...but I can't really go back, so you are stuck with me. You might as well enjoy the company." Optimus rolled his optics and turned to keep walking. "I'd ask for a lift, but I think it is better I stay on the ground for now."

"That is fine with me. I don't find bending comfortable right now, so if your feet can handle rough terrain, I am sure you will be fine. However, I may not be able to transform right now, Jack. So getting away may not be as simple as would normally be." Jack was aware of that, which was another reason why Optimus should not have come. "We can all agree this is definitely a trap Jack. Now that I am here, I fully expect Mech to show up very shortly."

"If you know, why did you come?"

"Because the price of losing any of the autobots is too great, Jack. I cannot be a one bot army against Megatron, since he has already made it known he intends on continuing the war. Plus..." Optimus paused for a moment and glanced around as he continued to walk down the slope cautiously. "It would weigh heavily on my spark if I allowed my autobots to perish. I know that I carry Azura, and I must protect her...but I can't live on knowing that I could have done something."

"Even if you allow yourself to be captured?" Jack asked and Optimus nodded affirmatively, making Jack widen his eyes in realization. "Oh...that is why you came as soon as you heard Ratchet through the com link about the injuries...you are...but, Azura..."

"I know it might not make sense to you, Jack. You are young, and you are not a leader. If you ever find yourself in my position, you will understand. Being a leader and a carrier at the same time has certainly brought a lot of...risks...I am glad that I will not have to endure it again moving forward." Jack said nothing as he understood. He thought Optimus had chosen to come out of wanting to help in vain, but he has come to ensure his autobots are not killed by allowing this happen. Jack could not help feel unsurprised, as Optimus would have done this regardless whether he was carrying or not. "But that does not mean ill allow myself to be captured easily. I intend to fight back."